title: Natural approaches to prevention and treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract.
abstract: Infections of the lower urinary tract are common occurrences in young women, during pregnancy, and in peri- and postmenopausal women. Because of the chronic nature of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the potential for antibiotic resistance, a natural approach to prevention and treatment is desirable. Clinical research suggests the best natural options for long-term prevention include cranberry, mannose, and probiotics. Botanicals that can be effective at the first sign of an infection and for short-term prophylaxis include berberine and uva ursi. Estriol cream and vitamins A and C have also been shown to prevent UTIs, while potassium salts can alkalinize the urine and reduce dysuria.
authors.affiliation: Thorne Research, PO Box 25, Dover, ID 83825, USA. kathih@thorne.com
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Head
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001628:Beverages; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001745:Urinary Bladder Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts